New Number To Call For Msa Banquet Tickets

Hold the phone.

If you've been trying to buy tickets for the Mogollon Sporting Association's annual banquet in May, and you called the phone numbers printed in this column, then you've probably been disconnected.

According to MSA member Jack Koon, the phone numbers previously published have changed. The new numbers to call if you are interested in attending the festive affair are 474-1662 (Koon), 468-6003 (Wayne Morgan, home) or 474-2216 (Morgan, work).

Tickets are $60 before April 1. After that date, you'll pay $75 per ticket.

The event kicks off at 5 p.m. May 12 at the Mazatzal Casino with a no-host cocktail hour. At 6 p.m., the dinner either prime rib or stuffed chicken breast gets under way. During the meal, several raffles and give-a-ways will be held. At 7 p.m., the evening really gets rolling with a lively auction and even more giveaways.

A bit of nostalgia

With the Payson Track and Field teams set to travel tomorrow to the Chandler Invitational, one has to wonder what it would take for the two-time defending state champion Lady Longhorns to win the prestigious meet.

How about two great athletes?

Such a rare achievement occurred in 1990, the 49th Annual Chandler Rotary Invitational, when Lady Horn Nicole Engstrom and Lura Goldman teamed up to win the title. The two were Payson's only point producers in the meet, but their combined efforts were enough to lift PHS to the championship.

Engstrom, who went on to star at the University of Arizona, won the shot put and was second in both the discus and the high jump.

Goldman won the long jump, was second in the triple jump and fourth in the 100-meter hurdles.

Following the stirring upset that caught the attention of track fans from around the state, Lady Horn coach Donna Reid said, "It was a great effort."

The meet triumph is still considered one of the most unique in prep sports history.

More needed

Payson Little League president Don Miller and vice president Don Engler continue to scour the Rim country in search of umpires to work upcoming baseball games.

For the league to be successful, there needs to be a pool of at least 12 umpires. Umpiring is a paid position and games are played weeknights from 4:45 p.m. to 7 p.m. If rainouts occur, some games are rescheduled for Saturday evenings. Potential umpires need not be certified, but should have a good knowledge of the game. Candidates will be asked to pass a written rules and regulations test.

In addition to umpires, the league is in need of a coach for a Minor Division team and two for the Farm League.